INTERIM IRIDIUM SAFETYCAST SERVICE MANUAL · Figure 2 – Basic concept of the Iridium SafetyCast...

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MSC.1/Circ.1613 14 June 2019

INTERIM IRIDIUM SAFETYCAST SERVICE MANUAL

1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 101st session (5 to 14 June 2019), approved the Interim Iridium SafetyCast service manual, as set out in the annex, which provides information on Iridium's enhanced group calling service, for circulation to Member States as advance information. 2 Member States are invited, pending completion of a final text by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, to take account of the information contained in the draft manual when conducting system trials and tests. 3 The Committee also established an IMO International Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel for coordinating the development and use of the international satellite enhanced group calling service. The Panel's terms of reference are given in appendix 1 to the draft manual. 4 Member States intending to use the Iridium SafetyCast service are invited to take account of the Interim Iridium SafetyCast service manual.

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MSC.1/Circ.1613 Annex, page 1


ANNEX

INTERIM IRIDIUM SAFETYCAST SERVICE MANUAL DRAFT EDITION

Foreword SOLAS regulation IV/12.2 states that "every ship, while at sea, shall maintain a radio watch for broadcasts of maritime safety information on the appropriate frequency or frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area in which the ship is navigating". In 2013, a submission was made to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its ninety-second session, for evaluation of the Iridium mobile-satellite system against the criteria for provision of mobile satellite communication systems in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). In 2018, the MSC, at its ninety-ninth session, adopted resolution MSC.451(99) on Statement of recognition of the maritime mobile satellite services provided by Iridium Satellite LLC, including Iridium's enhanced group calling service. It was noted an operational manual, similar to the International SafetyNET Manual, was necessary. The Committee also acknowledged the role of the IMO International SafetyNET Coordinating Panel that worked on behalf of the Committee with respect to the implementation of the provision of maritime safety information in accordance with the guidance material approved by the Committee. Since then, the Iridium enhanced group call service has been named "Iridium SafetyCast". This document provides an Interim Iridium SafetyCast service manual. It should be used to facilitate the testing and evaluation of Iridium SafetyCast service. A revision of this text will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee, through the session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR), to be held in 2021. The agreement of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) and the active participation of other bodies would be sought, according to the nature of the proposed amendments. The adopted version of the Iridium SafetyCast service manual would facilitate the full transition of Iridium SafetyCast service from Initial Operating Capability (IOC) to Full Operating Capability (FOC). Due to differences in the structure and operation of the Iridium mobile-satellite system compared with the Inmarsat system generally and SafetyNET in particular, this Interim Manual has been produced to describe the Iridium system and its capability for promulgating maritime safety information (MSI) and search and rescue (SAR) communications. This Interim Manual has been prepared with the cooperation of the IHO WWNWS Sub-Committee and the WMO/IOC-JCOMM WWMIWS Committee. This Manual should be read alongside the Joint IMO/WMO/IHO Manual on Maritime Safety Information, in its most recent edition, which provides detailed guidance on MSI and SAR communication composition and promulgation. 1 General information 1.1 The Iridium SafetyCast service is a satellite-based service for the promulgation of MSI, navigational and meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts, SAR-related information and other urgent safety-related messages to ships. 1.2 The Iridium SafetyCast service fulfils an integral role in the GMDSS developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and incorporated into the 1988 amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, as a requirement for ships to which the Convention applies.



1.3 This Interim Manual describes the structure and operation of the Iridium SafetyCast system. It is intended primarily for national Administrations and registered information providers, but may also be useful to the mariner who requires more operational information than is found in manufacturers' equipment manuals. 2 Iridium SafetyCast service 2.1 Introduction 2.1.1 The Iridium SafetyCast service provides shipping with navigational and meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts, shore-to-ship distress alerts, SAR-related information and other urgent information in accordance with SOLAS requirements. It provides an automatic method of broadcasting messages to both fixed and variable geographical locations in all sea areas, including the means of disseminating MSI to coastal warning areas not covered by the International NAVTEX service. It is suitable for use in all sizes and types of ships. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the way the service is structured.

Figure 1 – The Maritime Safety Information and SAR-related information services of

the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

INF

OR

MA

TIO

N

SE

RV

ICE

S

BR

OA

DC

AS

T S

ER

VIC

ES

S

HIP

BO

AR

D

EQ

UIP

ME

NT

Navigational

Warning

Meteorological

Information

Other Urgent Safety-related

Information

SAR-related Information

COORDINATED BROADCAST SERVICES

Enhanced Group Call (EGC)

NAVAREA METAREA Sub-Area

Coastal Warning

Area

User- Defined

Area

Satellite Ocean Region

EGC Receiver

MARITIME SAFETY INFORMATION (International and National Coordination)



Figure 2 – Basic concept of the Iridium SafetyCast service

2.1.2 The Iridium SafetyCast service offers the ability to direct a message to a given geographical area. The area may be fixed, as in the case of a NAVAREA/METAREA or coastal warning area; or it may be a user-defined area (circular or rectangular). A user-defined area is used for messages, such as a local storm warning or a shore-to-ship distress alert relay, for which it is inappropriate to alert ships in an entire satellite ocean region or NAVAREA/METAREA. The basic concept of the service is shown in figure 2 above. 2.1.3 Messages are submitted by registered information providers via an Iridium gateway. Messages are broadcast according to their priority, i.e. distress, urgency or safety. Aboard ship, messages are received by type-approved Iridium GMDSS maritime mobile terminals. 2.2 Definitions 2.2.1 For the purposes of this manual, the following definitions apply:

.1 Coastal warning means a navigational warning or in-force bulletin

promulgated as part of a numbered series by a National Coordinator. Broadcast should be made by the International NAVTEX service to defined NAVTEX service areas and/or by an International Enhanced Group Call service to the coastal warning area. In addition, Administrations may issue coastal warnings by other means.

.2 Coastal warning area means a unique and precisely defined sea area within

a NAVAREA/METAREA or Sub-Area established by a coastal State for the purpose of coordinating the promulgation of coastal Maritime Safety Information through an International Enhanced Group Call service.

.3 Coastal and offshore waters apply to areas for which WMO Members issue

weather and sea bulletins, governed by the procedures in the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No.558).

.4 Enhanced Group Call (EGC) means the broadcast of coordinated Maritime

Safety Information and Search and Rescue related information, to a defined geographical area using a recognized mobile satellite service.



.5 Gateway means a terrestrial part of a mobile satellite system that acts as an interface between the network and other communication networks.

.6 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) means a system that

performs the functions set out in SOLAS regulation IV/4, as amended. .7 In-force bulletin means a list of serial numbers of those NAVAREA,

Sub-Area or coastal warnings in force issued and promulgated by the NAVAREA Coordinator, Sub-Area Coordinator or National Coordinator.

.8 International Enhanced Group Call service means the coordinated broadcast

and automatic reception of Maritime Safety Information and Search and Rescue related information via Enhanced Group Call, using the English language.

.9 International Iridium SafetyCast service means the coordinated broadcast

and automatic reception of Maritime Safety Information and Search and Rescue related information via the Enhanced Group Call system, using the English language.

.10 International NAVTEX service means the coordinated broadcast and

automatic reception on 518 kHz of Maritime Safety Information by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy using the English language.1

.11 Iridium Safety Gateway means the central system responsible for managing

GMDSS communications within the Iridium Network. .12 Issuing Service means a National Meteorological and Hydrological Service

or National Authority which has accepted responsibility for ensuring that meteorological warnings and forecasts for shipping are disseminated through the International EGC service to the designated METAREA for which the NMHS or National Authority has accepted responsibility under the broadcast requirements of the GMDSS.

.13 Local warning means a navigational warning which covers inshore waters,

often within the limits of jurisdiction of a harbour or port authority. .14 Maritime Safety Information (MSI) means navigational and meteorological

warnings, meteorological forecasts and other urgent safety-related messages broadcast to ships.

.15 Maritime Safety Information service means the internationally and nationally

coordinated network of broadcasts containing information which is necessary for safe navigation.

.16 METAREA means a geographical sea area established for the purpose of

coordinating the broadcast of marine meteorological information. The term METAREA followed by a roman numeral may be used to identify a particular sea area. The delimitation of such areas is not related to and should not prejudice the delimitation of any boundaries between States (see figure 3).

1 As set out in the IMO NAVTEX Manual.



.17 METAREA Coordinator means the individual with the authority to coordinate Marine Meteorological Information broadcasts by one or more National Meteorological and Hydrological Services acting as Preparation or Issuing Services within the METAREA.

.18 Meteorological information means the marine meteorological warnings and

forecast information in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

.19 National Coordinator means the national authority charged with collating and

issuing coastal warnings within a national area of responsibility. .20 National Enhanced Group Call service means the broadcast and automatic

reception of Maritime Safety Information via the EGC system, using languages as decided by the Administration concerned.

.21 NAVAREA means a geographical sea area established for the purpose of

coordinating the broadcast of navigational warnings. The term NAVAREA followed by a roman numeral may be used to identify a particular sea area. The delimitation of such areas is not related to and should not prejudice the delimitation of any boundaries between States (see figure 4).

.22 NAVAREA Coordinator means the authority charged with coordinating,

collating and issuing NAVAREA warnings for a designated NAVAREA. .23 NAVAREA warning means a navigational warning or in-force bulletin

promulgated as part of a numbered series by a NAVAREA Coordinator. .24 Navigational warning means a message containing urgent information

relevant to safe navigation broadcast to ships in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

.25 Other urgent safety-related information means Maritime Safety Information

broadcast to ships that is not defined as a navigational warning or meteorological information. This may include, but is not limited to, significant malfunctions or changes to maritime communications systems, and new or amended mandatory ship reporting systems or maritime regulations affecting ships at sea.

.26 Preparation Service means a National Meteorological and Hydrological

Service or National Authority which has accepted responsibility for the preparation of warnings and forecasts and warnings for parts of or an entire METAREA in the WMO system for the dissemination of meteorological forecasts to shipping under the GMDSS and for their transfer to the relevant Issuing Service for broadcast.

.27 Recognized mobile satellite service means any service which operates

through a satellite system and is recognized by IMO for use in the GMDSS. .28 Registered information provider means a Maritime Safety Information

provider (MSI provider) or a Search and Rescue Information provider, authorized in accordance with appendix 2 of this manual.



.29 Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) means a unit responsible for promoting efficient organization of search and rescue services and for coordinating the conduct of search and rescue operations within a search and rescue region. Note: the term RCC will be used within this Manual to apply to either joint, aeronautical or maritime centres; JRCC, ARCC or MRCC will be used as the context warrants.

.30 Search and Rescue (SAR) related information means distress alert relays

and other urgent search and rescue related information broadcast to ships. .31 Satellite Network Operations Center (SNOC) means a terrestrial part of the

Iridium mobile-satellite system which controls the Iridium satellites and manages the Iridium system overall.

.32 Satellite Ocean Region means the area on the earth's surface within which

a mobile or fixed antenna can obtain line-of-sight communications with one of the four primary Inmarsat C geostationary satellites. This area may also be referred to as the "footprint":

- Atlantic Ocean Region – East (AOR-E) - Atlantic Ocean Region – West (AOR-W) - Indian Ocean Region (IOR) - Pacific Ocean Region (POR) [- Arctic Ocean Region] The Iridium system is not limited to specific ocean regions, therefore the Iridium SafetyCast equivalent for this would be a global transmission or sending to the Global Ocean Region. Other "Ocean regions", such as an Arctic Ocean Region, could also be created as predefined areas in the Iridium SafetyCast system.

.33 Sea Area A1 means an area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available, as may be defined by a Contracting Government.

.34 Sea Area A2 means an area, excluding sea area A1, within the

radiotelephone coverage of at least one MF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available, as may be defined by a Contracting Government.

.35 Sea Area A3 means an area, excluding sea areas A1 and A2, within the

coverage of an Inmarsat geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is available.

.36 Sea Area A4 means an area outside sea areas A1, A2 and A3. .37 Ship Earth Station (SES) means a mobile earth station in the recognized

maritime mobile satellite service located on board a ship. This may also be referred to as Mobile Earth Station or a maritime mobile terminal.2

2 SES within this document refers to a type approved EGC capable ship earth station.



.38 Sub-Area means a subdivision of a NAVAREA/METAREA in which a number of countries have established a coordinated system for the promulgation of Maritime Safety Information. The delimitation of such areas is not related to and should not prejudice the delimitation of any boundaries between States.

.39 Sub-Area Coordinator means the authority charged with coordinating,

collating and issuing Sub-Area warnings for a designated Sub-Area. .40 Sub-Area warning means a navigational warning or in-force bulletin

promulgated as part of a numbered series by a Sub-Area Coordinator. Broadcast should be made by the International NAVTEX service to defined NAVTEX service areas or by an International Enhanced Group Call service (through the appropriate NAVAREA Coordinator).

.41 Teleport means a terrestrial part of the Iridium mobile-satellite system which

communicates between the Iridium satellites and the gateway and Satellite Network Operations Center terrestrial parts.

.42 User-defined area means a temporary geographic area, either circular or

rectangular, to which Maritime Safety Information or Search and Rescue related information is addressed.

.43 UTC means Coordinated Universal Time which is equivalent to GMT

(or ZULU) as the international time standard. .44 World-Wide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS)

means the internationally coordinated service for the promulgation of meteorological warnings and forecasts.

.45 World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) means the

internationally and nationally coordinated service for the promulgation of navigational warnings.

.46 In the operating procedures coordination means that the allocation of the

time for data broadcast is centralized, the format and criteria of data transmissions are compliant as described in the Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information and that all services are managed as set out in resolutions A.705(17), as amended, A.706(17), as amended, and A.1051(27), as amended.



2.2.2 METAREA Limits:

Figure 3 – Geographical areas for coordinating and promulgating METAREA warnings and forecasts. The delimitation of these METAREAs is not related to and should not prejudice the delimitations of any boundaries between States.



2.2.3 NAVAREA Limits:

Figure 4 – Geographical areas for coordinating and promulgating NAVAREA warnings.

The delimitation of these NAVAREAs is not related to and should not prejudice the delimitations of any boundaries between States.



3 General features of the Iridium SafetyCast service 3.1 All navigable waters of the world are covered by satellites in the Iridium global satellite service. Reception of Iridium SafetyCast messages is normally not affected by the position of the ship, atmospheric conditions or time of day. 3.2 Area calls are addressed to a geographical area, whereas group calls are addressed to groups of ships:

.1 Area calls can be addressed to a fixed geographical area (NAVAREA/METAREA or coastal warning area) or to a user-defined area selected by an information provider. Area calls will be received automatically by any Iridium SafetyCast receiver within the area. To receive coastal warnings, the Iridium SafetyCast receiver must be set up with appropriate coastal warning codes (see section 12.3). Ocean Regions can also be predefined as fixed geographical areas in the Iridium system, where the registered information provider requires this.

.2 Group calls will be received automatically by any ship whose Iridium

SafetyCast receiver acknowledges the unique group identity associated with a particular message.

3.3 The Iridium network enables the promulgation of MSI, SAR-related information and other urgent safety related messages to vessels. Messages are initiated via a secure, web-based portal that Iridium will make available to MSI/SAR information providers (see example in appendix 3), or by such other means of access as may be agreed to. Using the portal, registered information providers will input the text of the message and specify the delivery characteristics for each message. The delivery characteristics that the registered information providers specify include message priority, geographic region for distribution, frequency of distribution and termination of distribution, if applicable. 3.4 Registered information providers may elect to have a direct connection to the Iridium gateway using a VPN or dedicated circuit(s). Utilizing this interface, the message priority, delivery area, frequency of distribution and termination of distribution are specified by the message originator when the message is sent to the Iridium Safety Gateway for delivery. 3.5 Each message is queued at a server in the Iridium Safety Gateway and scheduled for delivery. When queued for delivery, the message is routed to the appropriate teleport(s) for delivery to the satellite(s). The message is then routed from the teleport to one, or more, satellite(s) depending on the geographic region for distribution. The satellite then utilizes an L-band channel to transmit the message to Iridium maritime mobile terminals. If specified by the registered information provider initiating the message, retransmission of the message is performed at specified time intervals for the geographic area. A flow diagram for shore-to-ship promulgation of Iridium SafetyCast messages is provided in figures 1 and 2 above. 3.6 Unique geographic areas are defined for each NAVAREA/METAREA, and for Coastal areas. The delivery area for the messages is defined by a set of coordinates which provides the boundary of the delivery area. The delivery area for each NAVAREA/METAREA will extend from the coastline of each of the regions to 300 nautical miles beyond the line of demarcation with an adjacent NAVAREA/METAREA. This will permit maritime mobile terminals outside of a NAVAREA/METAREA to receive a message in the adjacent region if it is within 300 nautical miles of that NAVAREA/METAREA boundary.



3.7 Registered information providers have the ability to establish a user-defined area for a message, to include circular or rectangular area addressing. 3.8 Aboard the vessel, the Iridium SES should be interconnected to a message display and alarm panel that will perform the proper filtering, recording, alerting and display of messages. Additionally, a SES may have a keyboard and printer. The SES will receive the message, and then transfer the message content, along with the message priority, to the other components of the GMDSS system on board the vessel. 4 Planning of new Iridium SafetyCast service 4.1 Authorities wishing to become officially registered information providers of MSI and SAR related information to ships at sea via Iridium SafetyCast service should contact IMO via the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel at an early stage for advice. The plans of any prospective registered information providers should be coordinated with IMO, IHO and WMO and with other national authorities, before authorization to broadcast via Iridium SafetyCast service may be granted by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel, in accordance with the procedures set out in appendix 2. 4.2 Once authorized and registered, information providers should contact Iridium in order to determine specific details for addressing messages, accessing the Iridium SafetyCast service, charges and payment for services and any other matters with respect to providing MSI and SAR related information to mariners. 4.3 The IMO EGC Coordinating Panel, in cooperation with IHO and WMO, undertakes the coordination of times for scheduled transmissions. 4.4 Mariners should be informed of the establishment of an Iridium SafetyCast service by the information provider through the inclusion of full details in Notices to Mariners and other nautical publications and the IMO Master Plan of Shore-Based Facilities for the GMDSS, as maintained in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). In addition, full details of the service should be sent to the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel at the address given in appendix 1. 4.5 Questions concerning promulgation of MSI and SAR related information through the Iridium SafetyCast service can be addressed to the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel at the address given in appendix 1. 4.6 Questions concerning the operation of the Iridium SafetyCast service should be addressed to:

Maritime Safety Services Iridium Satellite LLC 1750 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1400 McLean, VA 22102 USA Email address: [email protected]

5 Changes to existing Iridium SafetyCast service 5.1 Registered information providers wishing to change their existing service should follow the same coordination procedures as for a new service, in accordance with the procedures set out in appendix 2.



5.2 Mariners should be informed of the changes to an existing service by the information provider through the inclusion of full details in Notices to Mariners and other nautical publications and the IMO Master Plan of shore-based facilities for the GMDSS. In addition, full details of the service should be sent to the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel at the address given in appendix 1. 6 Operation of the Iridium SafetyCast service 6.1 Given the size of a sea area, some form of selectivity in receiving and printing the various messages is required. All ships within the geographically defined area of the broadcast will receive area calls, however, they will only be displayed and printed by those receivers that recognize both:

.1 the fixed geographical area (NAVAREA/METAREA), user-defined area as appropriate; and

.2 for coastal warnings, the coastal warning area and the subject indicator for

the message.

6.2 The message format includes an instruction which enables the SES to display and print only those messages which relate to its present position, to the intended route, or to the aforementioned areas as programmed by the operator. 6.3 For coastal warning areas messages, the registered information provider must include the identifier allocated for the particular area, along with the appropriate subject indicator (see section 12.3). The Iridium SES can be set to reject messages concerning certain optional subjects which may not be required by the ship. The Iridium SES also uses the subject indicator to identify coastal warnings which, because of their importance, may NOT be rejected. 6.4 Reception of certain types of messages, such as shore-to-ship distress alerts, SAR related information, meteorological warnings and forecasts and navigational warnings, addressed to a geographical area within which the Iridium SES is located, is mandatory and cannot be suppressed by ships in the affected area. When a message has been received error-free, a record is made of the message identification (the unique sequence number, the unique identifier and the service code) associated with that message. The unique sequence number is used to suppress the printing of repeated transmissions of the same message. 6.5 The Iridium SafetyCast service allows several input parameters to support MSI and SAR related information transmissions:

.1 Fixed geographical area (NAVAREA/METAREA) or user defined area/areas; .2 Message Priority (Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine); .3 Delivery Method (Immediate or Scheduled); .4 Echo (Up to two times); .5 Repeat (Number of Instances); and .6 Scheduled transmissions may be cancelled by notifying the service.

6.6 There are three methods of identifying the destination delivery area for an Iridium SafetyCast transmission, including pre-defined areas such as NAVAREA/METAREAs, sub-areas and coastal areas, or user-defined areas.



6.7 Messages can be addressed to user-defined areas, which may be circular or rectangular in shape. A circular area is described by latitude and longitude of the centre in degrees and radius of the circle in nautical miles. A rectangular area is described by latitude and longitude of the south-west corner in degrees and extension in degrees to the north and east of the rectangle. Each satellite has a footprint of approximately 4,500 km diameter, and comprises 48 spot beams of approximately 400 km diameter. Each beam within a footprint overlaps, as do the beams from adjacent satellites. The Iridium system dynamically uses the most appropriate combination of beams and satellites for the delivery area required.

Figure 5a – Examples of message addressing to a NAVAREA



Figure 5b – Examples of message addressing to circular and rectangular areas 6.8 In the case of a ship in distress, it is normal to create a circular user-defined area, defined by the position of the casualty and a radius around the casualty to alert ships that may be able to render assistance. If no response is received from any ship at the first call, the area can be expanded in steps until an acknowledgement by one or more ships is received. In cases where the position of the distress is unknown, a shore-to-ship distress alert relay can be transmitted to all ships, in a given sea area. SAR related information should only be addressed to circular or to rectangular user-defined areas. 7 Promulgation of MSI or SAR related Information 7.1 MSI or SAR related information is promulgated by registered information providers whose Certificates of Authorization to promulgate via Iridium are issued by the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel in accordance with the procedures in appendix 2. Registered information providers include, for example:

.1 NAVAREA Coordinators: for navigational warnings and other urgent safety-related information;

.2 National Coordinators: for coastal warnings and other urgent safety-related

information; .3 METAREA Coordinators: for meteorological warnings and forecasts; and .4 Rescue Coordination Centres: for shore-to-ship distress alert relay,

SAR related information and other urgent safety-related information.



7.2 All NAVAREA, Sub-Area and coastal warnings and METAREA warnings and forecasts should be promulgated only in English in the Iridium SafetyCast service in accordance with resolutions A.706(17), as amended, and A.1051(27), as amended. In addition to the required broadcasts in English, NAVAREA/METAREA, Sub-Area and coastal warnings may be broadcast in a national language using a national Iridium SafetyCast service. 7.3 Registered information providers should take into account the need for contingency planning. 7.4 Scheduled transmissions are made at specified times, as allocated by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel. These schedules are published in nautical publications and the IMO Master Plan of Shore-Based facilities for the GMDSS, as amended. 7.5 MSI providers should adhere to their published scheduled broadcast times to facilitate reception of messages. 8 Message formatting and C codes 8.1 The Iridium SafetyCast service does not require registered providers manually to enter transmission instructions using C codes, although some registered providers may have an operational requirement to use these. For those users who have a continuing operational requirement to use C Codes, appendix 4, part 2 of this manual is provided. 8.2 There are several methods for registered providers to gain access to the Iridium SafetyCast service, and these are described in section 10 and appendix 3. These include a secure user portal which enables authorized users to send and cancel messages. Detailed operational procedures are contained in the instructions given to registered providers after authorization and registration in accordance with appendix 2. The Iridium SafetyCast service automatically formats the message and its transmission instructions. 9 Monitoring of MSI and SAR related broadcasts (Monitoring of MSI and SAR related broadcast in a multi provider environment is currently under discussion within the relevant IMO/IHO/WMO MSI and SAR bodies) 9.1 In order to ensure the integrity of the MSI and SAR related messages being broadcast, MSI and SAR providers must monitor the broadcasts which they originate in accordance to resolutions A.706(17) and A.1051(27), as amended, and COMSAR/Circ.37. Monitoring is especially important in a highly automated service, which is dependent on careful adherence to procedure and format. This should be accomplished by a service that should provide the means to enable each MSI and SAR information provider to:

.1 confirm that the message is transmitted and received correctly; .2 ensure that cancellation messages are properly executed; and .3 observe any unexplained delay in the message being broadcast.

9.2 This service shares responsibility for monitoring broadcast between the registered information provider and the Iridium SafetyCast service so that the registered information provider is responsible for ensuring their messages are correct before they submit their message to the Iridium SafetyCast service for delivery, and the Iridium SafetyCast service ensures that messages are broadcast correctly, as received.



9.3 The Iridium SES maintains a Log, which contains information on all messages received by the terminal. This information within the Log includes:

Message number

Generated by the terminal

Originator

ID of the METAREA, NAVAREA or RCC which transmits the message.

Service

The Iridium SES displays a short title for the particular type message service.

Priority

The Iridium SES displays the appropriate Priority. This could be: Distress, Urgency or Safety.

Received date and time

The date time group YY-MM-DD HH:mm of when the message was received. A format of the date is configurable by the Iridium SES operator.

Size

Usually in number of bytes or characters.

Sequence number

The unique message sequence or reference number allocated to the message by the Iridium Safety Gateway.

Routeing

Message routeing (memory or memory and printer) – set up by the Iridium SES operator or a mandatory routeing for Urgency and Distress priority messages.

Message number

Originator

Service Priority Received date and

time

Size Sequence number

Routeing

17022405.egc

321 MET/NAV warning/forecast

Safety 17-02-24 03:31

2263 1605 Mem

17022402.egc

321 SAR coordination

Urgency 17-02-24 03:02

1506 1604 Prn+Mem

17022401.egc

322 Coastal warning/forecast

Safety 17-02-23 02:56

269 9154 Mem

17022302.egc

304 Distress alert relay

Distress 17-02-23 20:44

769 691 Prn+Mem

17022305.egc

317 NAV warning

Safety 17-02-23 19:41

819 8318 Mem

17022302.egc

322 MET warning

Safety 17-02-23 19:35

2358 9150 Mem

Figure 6 – Example of an Iridium SES Log

10 Accessing the Iridium SafetyCast service 10.1 MSI or SAR related information is promulgated by officially registered information providers whose Certificates of Authorization to promulgate via Iridium SafetyCast are issued by IMO in accordance with the procedures in appendix 2. 10.2 Messages are initiated via a secure, web-based portal that Iridium will make available to officially registered users (see an illustrative example in appendix 3, and operational guidance in appendix 4, part 1 of this Manual), or by such other means of access as may be



agreed. Using the portal, users will input the text of the message and specify the delivery characteristics for each message. The delivery characteristics that the users specify include message priority, geographic region for broadcast, frequency of broadcast and cancellation of broadcast. Messages can also be manually cancelled. 10.3 Users may elect to have a direct connection to the Iridium gateway using a VPN or dedicated circuit(s). Utilizing this interface, the message priority, delivery area, frequency of broadcast and cancellation of broadcast are specified by the message originator when the message is sent to the Iridium Safety Gateway for delivery. 11 Iridium Safety Gateway functions

Each message is queued at a server in the Iridium Safety Gateway and scheduled for broadcast. When queued for broadcast, the message is routed to the appropriate teleport(s) for broadcast to the satellite(s). The message is then routed from the teleport to one or more satellite(s) depending on the geographic region for broadcast. 12 Receiving transmission 12.1 When a message has been received, a record is made of the message identification associated with that message. The unique sequence number is used to suppress the printing of repeated transmissions of the same message. The Iridium SafetyCast system tracks the transmission and receipt of MSI broadcasts for each ship in the targeted area. The Iridium SafetyCast system filters messages that have already been received by the Iridium SESs in the area targeted by the registered information provider. This eliminates the need for the SES to suppress a message once it has received the message the first time. 12.2 It is not possible to reject mandatory "all ship" messages such as shore-to-ship distress alert relays for the area within which the ship is located. When a distress or urgency message is received, an audio and visual alarm will be given. 12.3 The following subject indicators for coastal warnings are in use:3

A = Navigational warnings B = Meteorological warnings C = Ice reports D = Search and rescue related information and acts of piracy warnings E = Meteorological forecasts F = Pilot service messages G = AIS H = Not used I = Not used J = SATNAV messages K = Other navaid messages L = Other navigational warnings – additional to subject code A V = Special services allocation by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel W = Special services allocation by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel X = Special services allocation by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel Y = Special services allocation by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel Z = No messages on hand

3 Cannot be rejected by the receiver.



12.4 It is recommended that, in order to ensure that all necessary MSI is available before sailing, the Iridium SES should remain in operation while the ship is in port. When the SES is switched on and logged onto the Iridium SafetyCast system it will automatically receive in-force messages. 12.5 Although reception of MSI and SAR related information is automatic, the shipboard operator must set up the Iridium SES properly before the start of the voyage, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 12.6 The position information in Iridium SES is updated automatically from integrated navigational receivers and these are fitted on all Iridium SES, or may be updated from a separate electronic position-fixing system. 13 Charges for MSI services 13.1 Resolution A.707(17) on Charges for distress, urgency and safety messages through the Inmarsat system establishes the arrangements in place for the treatment of charges. Resolution A.1001(25) on Criteria for the provision of mobile satellite communication systems in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) requires that prospective satellite systems operating in the GMDSS undertake to apply the principles of resolution A.707(17), and Iridium has given such an undertaking. 13.2 There are no charges to the mariner for reception of these messages. 13.3 Message transmission charges apply to MSI providers and are set at a special tariff.



APPENDIX 1

IMO Enhanced Group Call4 Coordinating Panel

(Text reproduced from annex 1 of the revised International SafetyNET Manual (MSC.1/Circ.1364/Rev.1, as amended by MSC.1/Circ.1364/Rev.1/Corr.1))

1 Terms of reference To coordinate the development and use of the International Enhanced Group Call (EGC) service, and in particular to:

.1 develop operating methods for the effective use of the EGC services, including consideration of the need for scheduled broadcasts;

.2 develop documentation in support of the EGC services, in particular the

IMO manuals of the recognized mobile satellite service providers;

.3 advise recognized mobile satellite service providers and potential registered information providers on all aspects of the EGC services, including system access and effective operation;

.4 develop criteria and establish means for the approval and registration of

potential information providers to ensure worldwide coverage is achieved, maintained, and ensure agreements are conducted with all recognized mobile satellite service providers serving the required sea area;

.5 coordinate the registration of potential information providers; and

.6 promote a proper understanding of the benefits and use of the EGC services

amongst the wider maritime community. 2 Contact address The IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel can be contacted at the following address:

The Chair IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel International Maritime Organization 4 Albert Embankment London SE1 7SR United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611, Fax: +44 (0)20 7587 3210 Email: [email protected] (in subject line add: "for Chair, IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel")

3 Panel membership 3.1 The IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel is open to membership by all Member Governments and also includes one member nominated by each of the following international organizations:

4 Enhanced Group Call (EGC) means the broadcast of coordinated Maritime Safety Information and Search

and Rescue related information, to a defined geographical area using a recognized mobile satellite service.

mailto:[email protected]



.1 International Maritime Organization (IMO) .2 International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) .3 World Meteorological Organization (WMO) .4 International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO)

3.2 The following may be represented as observers on the panel:

.1 IHO World-Wide Navigational Warning Service Sub-Committee .2 IMO NAVTEX Coordinating Panel .3 World-Wide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service Committee

(WWMIWS-C) of the Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM)

.4 Single representative from each recognized mobile satellite service provider.



APPENDIX 2

Authorization, certification and registration of Enhanced Group Call information providers

(Text reproduced from annex 2 of the revised International SafetyNET Manual

(MSC.1/Circ.1364/Rev.1, as amended by MSC.1/Circ.1364/Rev.1/Corr.1))

Two distinct and separate processes, Authorization and Certification, should be completed before an information provider will be granted Registration to access the International Enhanced Group Call (EGC) service. They have been established to protect the integrity of the EGC information service and clearly establish a qualification to the special EGC tariff. 1 Authorization 1.1 Authorization is carried out by IMO in consultation with IHO and WMO, as appropriate. 1.2 In order to obtain authorization to broadcast maritime safety information and/or search and rescue related information through the International Enhanced Group Call service, an information provider should apply to the relevant international organization for approval to participate in the internationally coordinated service:

Hydrographic authorities – to IHO; Meteorological authorities – to WMO; Search and rescue authorities – to IMO; The International Ice Patrol – to IMO; Others – to IMO.

1.3 In considering such applications, the relevant international organizations will take into account:

.1 the established and expected availability of other information sources for the

area concerned; and .2 the need to minimize duplication of information as much as possible.

1.4 The relevant international organization will inform IMO of endorsed applications. 2 Certification 2.1 On receipt of IMO authorization, the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel will issue a Certificate of Authorization to participate in the International Enhanced Group Call service directly to the information provider with a copy to IMO or IHO or WMO, as well as to the recognized mobile satellite service provider concerned. A specimen Certificate of Authorization is shown at the end of this annex. 2.2 The IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel will maintain the master list of all registered information providers and circulate it to IMO, IHO and WMO Secretariats, and the recognized mobile satellite service providers concerned.



3 Registration

3.1 After receiving a Certificate of Authorization, an information provider should conclude an agreement with the recognized mobile satellite service providers concerned, serving the required sea area(s), to obtain access to the system. 3.2 This will involve, in addition to the contractual aspects, registration of the information provider's identity which should be programmed into the control equipment of the recognized mobile satellite service provider. 3.3 Recognized mobile satellite service providers will only register information providers who have received a Certificate of Authorization from the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel. 4 Contact addresses

International Maritime Organization The Chair IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel 4 Albert Embankment London SE1 7SR United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611 Fax: +44 (0)20 7587 3210 Email: [email protected] (in subject line add: "for Chair, IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel")

International Hydrographic Organization 4b quai Antoine 1er BP 445 MC98011 Monaco Cedex Principauté de MONACO

Telephone: +377 93 10 81 00 Fax: +377 93 10 81 40 Email: [email protected] World Meteorological Organization 7bis, avenue de la Paix Case postale 2300 CH-1211 Geneva 2 Switzerland Telephone: + 41(0) 22 730 81 11 Fax: + 41(0) 22 730 81 81 Email: [email protected]





APPENDIX 3

The Iridium Global Mobile-Satellite System 1 Introduction 1.1 Iridium Satellite LLC owns and operates a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) system providing fully global digital communications. The major components of the Iridium mobile-satellite system are:

.1 the space segment, consisting of 66 operational satellites and additional in-orbit spare satellites;

.2 the ground segment, consisting of satellite teleports ("teleports") for the

transfer of voice and data communications between the gateways and the satellite constellation, and gateways which provide connection to terrestrial voice and data networks; and

.3 mobile earth stations, which consist of a satellite modem, which is

incorporated into a commercial product, and an externally installed antenna. 1.2 The satellite constellation provides the communication links between the user terminals and the teleport(s), which are interconnected to the gateways. The gateways serve as the switching centre, routing all communications into and from terrestrial networks, such as the PSTN. The gateway also locates, identifies and tracks subscribers for mobility management, and records user activity for billing purposes. 1.3 These components are illustrated in figure 7 below.



Figure 7 – The Iridium global satellite system, network overview (North and Central America)



2 The space segment 2.1 The constellation of 66 operational Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites enables user terminal-to-user terminal, user terminal-to-gateway and gateway-to-user terminal communications. The 66 satellites are evenly distributed in six orbital planes with a polar (86.4 degree) inclination, with on-orbit spare satellites. The satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of 780 km and take approximately 100 minutes to complete one orbit.

Figure 8 - Iridium constellation

2.2 The satellites support three types of communication links – satellite-to-satellite, satellite-to-teleport and satellite-to-user terminals. Each satellite communicates with the satellite immediately ahead and behind in its orbital plane (north/south) and to the nearest satellite in each of the two adjacent orbital planes (east/west) using a K-band link. The Iridium system is the only mobile-satellite system employing this cross-linked satellite architecture. As a result, a user terminal is not required to be within the same satellite footprint as a gateway in order to gain access to the network. 2.3 The satellite-to-user terminal link uses an L-band antenna system. This projects 48 spot beams, or cells, on the Earth, with each beam being approximately 400 km (250 miles) in diameter. Each L-band antenna has a "footprint" with a diameter of approximately 4,500 km (2,800 miles). Adjacent satellite footprints overlap on the Earth's surface, enabling seamless global coverage from pole to pole. The overlapping coverage provided by the cross-linked satellites operates as a fully meshed network. 2.4 About once every minute, the cell for a user terminal is provided by a different beam on the same satellite. About once every six minutes, the cell transitions to a beam on an adjacent satellite. Special processing called a "handoff" ensures that communication sessions are maintained.



3 The ground segment 3.1 The Satellite Network Operations Center (SNOC) manages the satellite constellation and provides network management over the entire Iridium system. The SNOC communicates with the satellites through Telemetry, Tracking and Control (TTAC) facilities. In addition to controlling communications between the SNOC and the satellites, the TTAC sites track the Iridium satellites and receive telemetry data from them. 3.2 Iridium currently operates teleports at geographically diverse locations around the globe, as part of the commercial network. The teleports use a Ka-band link to interconnect the satellite constellation with the Iridium gateways for the transfer of communications to and from Iridium user terminals. 3.3 Operating as a switching centre, the primary gateway provides the connection between the Iridium network and terrestrial-based networks. Additional gateways are being added around the globe, where appropriate, which can serve to enhance overall system reliability and capacity. Each gateway controls system access, call set-up, mobility management, billing, tracking and maintaining all information pertaining to user terminals, such as user identity and geo-location. 4 Coverage area The Iridium network provides fully global service coverage. All communication services are provided for user terminals independent of geographic location. Communications are provided by a constellation of LEO satellites with overlapping coverage areas, providing ubiquitous coverage. The Iridium network and the services that are intended to be used for GMDSS communications are fully operational for the entire globe. 5 Iridium network functional capabilities 5.1 The Iridium network permits ship-to-shore, shore-to-ship and ship-to-ship calls for maritime safety communications. It provides for four levels of prioritization of all calls and performs pre-emption of lower priority communications, if necessary. 5.2 Only registered information providers will be allowed to input messages for broadcast. Approval and registration of these entities is performed by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel by the procedure described in appendix 2 of this Manual. During the approval and registration process, the means of access, and the credentials needed by the authorized entity, will be provided by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel and Iridium. It is necessary to ensure that the prioritisation of traffic is protected against inadvertent or malicious misuse. For example, access can be protected by requiring a two-stage access procedure using a password and PIN, and these could be combined into other functions where a registered information provider had existing alternative operational security measures in place. Registered information providers can input messages using email, a web interface or other means of transmitting data over the Internet, a leased line or VPN, according to their operational requirements. One such method is a secure portal provided by Iridium, a development version of which has been made available for testing and is subject to further refinement. Operational guidance for the use of the development portal is given in appendix 4 part 1 of this manual. The graphical user interface (GUI) of the portal used in development is shown below:



Figure 9a – Legacy example of information provider input screen. Input screen is currently under development and may be subject to further refinement.

Figure 9b – Continued legacy example of information provider input screen. Input screen is currently under development and may be subject to further refinement.



Figure 10 - System receipt screen (illustrative example currently used for testing and development, and which may be subject to further refinement).

5.3 Transmission of safety-related information by ships to shore authorities is accomplished using the general communication capabilities of the Iridium system. Messages can be addressed to relevant shore authorities (hydrographic offices, meteorological offices or other shore authorities) using the contact details published in Lists of Radio Signals and elsewhere. 6 Network availability and service restoration 6.1 The Iridium network provides all services globally and is in continuous operation. System performance for each of the services is continuously monitored worldwide through numerous mechanisms. If there is a service impairment, Iridium will issue an advisory notice within ten minutes of the impairment being identified by operations staff, and provide regular updates until the impairment is corrected. In the event of a partial or total satellite failure, services to affected users will be fully restored within minutes. The constellation architecture and operation does not permit a single satellite to cause an extended service interruption from the user's perspective. The nature of the satellite footprints as they orbit, combined with "echo" transmissions, ensures that ships will still be able to transmit distress alerts and to receive MSI or SAR related information even in the event of a satellite failure. 6.2 The International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) will provide annual reports to IMO on Iridium's performance of its GMDSS functions, including availability during the reporting period.



APPENDIX 4

Operational guidance – Part 1 For those registered information providers who require it, Iridium provides a secure online portal (with graphical user interface or GUI) for accessing the Iridium SafetyCast service. Part 1 of this appendix contains operational guidance for the benefit of registered information providers who are responsible for preparing messages for broadcast. It also contains operational guidance for SAR authorities authorized to use the Iridium SafetyCast service. For those registered information providers who require it, for example those who use tailor-made operational management systems, or whose messages are generated by highly automated (machine-to-machine) processes, Iridium will make available an application programming interface (API) to enable access to the Iridium SafetyCast service. Credentials Only registered information providers will have access to the Iridium SafetyCast service. The procedure for authorization and certification of registered information providers is described in appendix 2 of this Manual. These registered information providers will be provided with credentials for access to the Iridium SafetyCast service. These credentials will identify the registered information provider to the service, and will also determine which types of message that the registered information provider can send. Message type METAREA Coordinators can select "Forecasts and warnings", "Tropical cyclone warning" or "Other safety-related information" and can also select whether to send the message to the METAREA, a coastal area (if applicable) or to a user-defined area. NAVAREA Coordinators can select "Navigational warnings" or "Other safety-related information" and can also select whether to send the message to the NAVAREA, a coastal area (if applicable) or to a user-defined area. SAR Authorities can select "Distress alert relay" or "SAR Coordination". SAR Authorities default to user-defined areas, although predefined areas could be configured during integration if this was required. A distress alert relay is normally sent to a circular area. Message priority METAREA and NAVAREA Coordinators can select either "Safety" or "Urgency". SAR Authorities can select either "Safety", "Urgency" or "Distress", whichever is appropriate to the emergency phase of the situation. A distress alert relay will be "Distress". Although the service permits "Routine" priority, this is unlikely to be an appropriate priority for use by registered information providers. Message delivery address Delivery addresses can be predefined or user-defined.



Predefined addresses can include METAREA, NAVAREA, coastal warning area or another specific fixed delivery area if required. These areas are created during the integration of the registered information provider with the Iridium SafetyCast service. User-defined addresses are either a circular area or a rectangular area. These can be determined by the user for a particular message. Where the message type is for delivery to a METAREA or NAVAREA this will be automatically completed. Where the message type is for a coastal warning area or another specific fixed delivery area, the user selects that area from their particular list of predefined areas. The user also selects the message subject. Where the message type is for delivery to a circular area, the user defines that area with the latitude and longitude of its centre, and its radius in nautical miles. Where the message type is for delivery to a rectangular area, the user defines that area with the latitude and longitude of its southwestern corner, and its extent north and east from that point, in degrees. Scheduling, repetition and cancellation "Urgent" messages will be queued automatically for immediate transmission followed by retransmission at the next scheduled transmission time. "Scheduled" messages will be transmitted according to the schedule determined by the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel. It is possible to select an "Echo" retransmission (0, 1 or 2) at six-minute intervals, or a registered information provider may opt to set a definite number of retransmissions and their intervals. Establishing and configuring this facility will form part of the process of integration of the registered information provider with the Iridium SafetyCast service. Associated cancellation procedures will also form part of the process of integration of the registered information provider with the Iridium SafetyCast service. Message text The message should be composed according to the detailed guidance given in the Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information. Additional guidance Additional guidance for METAREA Coordinators is contained in resolution A.1051(27), as amended, on Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service. Additional guidance for NAVAREA Coordinators is contained in resolution A.706(17), as amended, on World-Wide Navigational Warning Service. Additional guidance for SAR Authorities is contained in the IAMSAR Manual, volumes I and II. Additional guidance on piracy countermeasures is contained in the Guidelines on operational procedures for the promulgation of maritime safety information concerning acts of piracy and piracy counter-measure operations (resolution MSC.305(87)).



Operational guidance – Part 2 1 This appendix contains operational guidance for the benefit of registered MSI and SAR related information providers who are responsible for preparing messages for broadcast. Use of the codes given in this appendix is mandatory for all messages in the system. 2 Types of messages and message formats are detailed in the sub-parts of this appendix:

Part A – Navigational warning service; Part B – Meteorological service; Part C – Search and rescue (SAR) services and SAR coordination traffic; and Part D – Piracy countermeasures broadcast messages.

Allocation of priority and services codes for services

Service

Message priority Service code (type)

Navigational warning services

C1 = 1 (Safety) – normally C1 = 2 (Urgency) – exceptionally at discretion of MSI provider

C2 = 04 – Navigational warning to a rectangular area C2 = 13 – Coastal warning to a coastal warning area C2 = 24 – Navigational warning to a circular area C2 = 31 – NAVAREA warning to a NAVAREA

Meteorological services

C1 = 1 (Safety) – always for forecasts and warnings C1 = 2 (Urgency) – always for urgent tropical cyclone warnings only

C2 = 04 – Meteorological warning or forecast to a rectangular area C2 = 13 – Meteorological warning or forecast to a coastal warning area C2 = 24 – Meteorological warning or forecast to a circular area C2 = 31 – METAREA warning or meteorological forecast to a METAREA

SAR services: 1) Shore-to-ship distress

alert

C1 = 3 (Distress) – always C2 = 14 – Shore-to-ship distress alert to a circular area



Allocation of priority and services codes for services

Service

Message priority Service code (type)

2) SAR coordination traffic

C1 = 1 (Safety) – determined by the phase of emergency C1 = 2 (Urgency) – determined by the phase of emergency C1 = 3 (Distress) – determined by the phase of emergency

C2 = 34 – SAR coordination to a rectangular area C2 = 44 – SAR coordination to a circular area

3) Shore-to-ship urgency and safety traffic

C1 = 1 (Safety) C1 = 2 (Urgency)

C2 = 31 – Urgency and safety traffic

4) General (all ships call within the Inmarsat ocean region)

C1 = 2 (Urgency) C1 = 3 (Distress)

C2 = 00

Piracy countermeasures broadcast messages

C1 = 1 (Safety) C1 = 2 (Urgency) – for piracy attack warnings

C2 = 04 – Piracy warning to a rectangular area C2 = 13 – Piracy warning to a coastal warning area C2 = 24 – Piracy warning to a circular area C2 = 31 – Piracy warning to a NAVAREA

3 The broadcast parameters are controlled by the use of five (or six) C codes which are combined into a generalized message address header format as follows:

C0:C1:C2:C3:C4:C5 (Spaces, colons or other delimiters between these codes will be required, depending on the communication protocol of the addressed LES.) C0 – Ocean region C1 – Message priority C2 – Service code C3 – Address code C4 – Repetition code C5 – Presentation code

Each C code controls a different broadcast parameter and is assigned a numerical value according to the options specified in the following parts.



The additional C0 code will only be required to identify the satellite ocean region when sending a broadcast message to a LES which operates to more than one satellite ocean region, as follows:

C0 = 0 – AOR-W C0 = 1 – AOR-E C0 = 2 – POR C0 = 3 – IOR C0 = 9 – All Ocean Regions5

4 (a) All EGC messages should comprise of three elements:

.1 address header instruction (EGC C codes); .2 TEXT OF MESSAGE; and .3 NNNN.

Mandatory message element table

Message element

Remarks

Address header instruction

The syntax of the special address header in relation to the exact number of digits and/or alphanumeric characters, and to the spaces between each C code is critical, and must conform to the format required by the LES or service provider as supplied in their specific instruction manual.

TEXT OF MESSAGE

The content of the message should be presented in UPPER case. For maritime safety information messages, the format of navigational warnings is defined in the Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Maritime Safety Information Manual, as amended.

NNNN

The letters NNNN should be inserted at the end of the text to indicate "end of message".

(b) EGC messages submitted for transmission (or broadcast) via a two-stage

access system must also include an end of transmission instruction code for the LES. This should be inserted on the final line, after NNNN. This code may vary, and must conform to the format required by the LES or service provider as supplied in their specific instruction manual.

5 IMO requires that, in order to allow the use of non-dedicated receive facilities, the majority of broadcasts on the International Satellite Service are made at scheduled times. Broadcast schedules must be coordinated through the International Satellite Coordinating Panel, which can also offer advice on ways of scheduling information within the system. 6 Because errors in the header format of a message may prevent it being released, MSI providers must monitor broadcasts of messages which they originate.

5 Subject to availability through LES or service provider.



7 For all the services described below, a cancellation or deleting facility is provided for messages transmitted to a LES with category (b) repetition codes (see part E). Cancellation (or deletion) procedures may vary between different LESs or service providers. Detailed operational procedure is contained in the instructions on sending EGC broadcasts given to the MSI providers after registration with the LES operator or service provider.

8 The term "echo" used in all of the services described below in parts A, B, C and D is associated with using the respective C4 repetition codes which will initiate an automatic repeated broadcast six minutes after the initial scheduled or unscheduled broadcast. The six-minute repeat or echo is used to ensure that the warning is received by the maximum number of ships.

Part A – Navigational warning services 1 The following guidelines set out the arrangements to be used for promulgating navigational and coastal warnings for the GMDSS. They are mandatory for broadcasts in the International Satellite Service. Broadcasts originated by the International Ice Patrol also follow the guidelines in this part. 2 These guidelines are to be read in conjunction with the IMO/IHO World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) guidance document (resolution A.706(17), as amended). 3 Navigational warnings that require an immediate broadcast should be transmitted as soon as possible after receipt. If still in force, they should be repeated in subsequent scheduled broadcasts, twice a day for six weeks or until cancelled. 4 Navigational warnings shall remain in force until cancelled by the originating Coordinator. Navigational warnings should be broadcast for as long as the information is valid; however, if they are readily available to mariners by other official means, for example in Notices to Mariners, then after a period of six weeks they may no longer be broadcast. If the navigational warning is still valid and not available by other means after six weeks, it should be re-issued as a new navigational warning. 5 The following C codes shall be used for warnings issued under the auspices of the WWNWS. 5.1 C1 – Message priority

C1 = 1 (safety) C1 = 2 (urgency)(at discretion of the registered MSI provider)

5.2 C2 – Service code6

C2 = 04 Navigational warning to a rectangular area* C2 = 13 Coastal warning to a coastal warning area C2 = 24 Navigational warning to a circular area C2 = 31 NAVAREA warning to a NAVAREA

6 C2 = 04 may be used for NAVAREA warnings to a rectangular area by NAVAREAs XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX

and XXI.



5.3 C3 – Address code

C3 = two digits X1X2

When C2 = 31, then: X1X2 are the two digits of the NAVAREA number (with a leading zero where necessary in the range 01 – 21).

C3 = four alphanumeric characters X1X2B1B2

When C2 = 13 for Coastal warnings, then: X1X2 are the two digits of the NAVAREA number (with a leading zero where necessary in the range 01 – 21) B1 is the coastal warning area A to Z B2 is the subject indicator and must always be A or L, where: A = Navigational warnings L = Other navigational warnings

C3 = twelve alphanumeric characters D1D2LaD3D4D5LoD6D7D8D9D10

When C2 = 04 for NAVAREA warnings within a rectangular area: D1D2 is latitude of south-west corner of the rectangle in degrees La is hemisphere which will always be N for Arctic NAVAREAs XVII to XXI D3D4D5 is longitude of south-west corner of rectangle in degrees, with leading zeros if required Lo is longitude E or W D6D7 is extent of rectangle in latitude (degrees) D8D9D10 is extent of rectangle in longitude (degrees)

Example: a rectangle whose south-west corner is 60°N and 010°W, extending 30° north and 25° east, is coded as: 60N010W30025 Note: Latitude and longitude are limited by values from 00° to 90° latitude and 000° to 180° longitude.



5.4 C4 – Repetition code

C4 = 01

May be used for initial unscheduled broadcast of NAVAREA warnings, and coastal warnings with no echo (transmit once on receipt)

C4 = 11 Recommended for use with initial unscheduled broadcast of NAVAREA warnings, and coastal warnings (transmit on receipt, echo six minutes later)

C4 = 16 Use for NAVAREA or coastal warnings scheduled for broadcast twice per day at 12-hour intervals with safety priority

Note: For NAVAREA or coastal warnings scheduled for broadcast more than twice per day, the appropriate C4 repetition code detailed in part E of this Manual must be used.

5.5 C5 – Presentation code

C5 = 00 The code 00 for International Alphabet Number 5 is normally used

Part B – Meteorological services 1 The following guidelines set out the arrangements to be used for promulgating meteorological forecasts and warnings for the GMDSS. They are mandatory for broadcasts in the International Satellite Service. 2 These guidelines are to be read in conjunction with the WMO Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO No. 558), as revised for the GMDSS. 3 In order to ensure uniformity of meteorological forecasts and warnings globally, the following C codes should be used for meteorological services via Iridium. 3.1 C1 – Message priority

C1 = 2 (urgency) Only use for tropical cyclone warnings or urgent meteorological warnings with force 12 Beaufort or above

C1 = 1 (safety) For forecasts and other meteorological warnings

3.2 C2 – Service code7

C2 = 04 Meteorological warning or forecast to a rectangular area

C2 = 13 Meteorological warning or forecast to a coastal warning area

C2 = 24 Meteorological warning or forecast to a circular area

C2 = 31 METAREA warning or meteorological forecast to a METAREA

7 C2 = 04 may be used for METAREA warnings or meteorological forecasts to a rectangular area by

METAREAs XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX and XXI.




C3 = ten alphanumeric characters D1D2LaD3D4D5LoR1R2R3

When C2 = 24 for meteorological warnings to user-defined circular area, then: D1D2La (three characters) is latitude of centre in degrees, and La whether north (N) or south (S). A leading zero should be used for latitudes less than 10° D3D4D5Lo (four characters) is longitude of centre in degrees, and Lo whether east (E) or west (W) of the prime meridian. One or two leading zeros should be used for longitudes less than 100° R1R2R3 (three characters) is radius of circle in nautical miles, up to 999. One or two leading zeros should be used for radius less than 100 nm

Example: A circle centred at latitude 56°N longitude 34°W with radius of 35 nautical miles is coded as: 56N034W035

C3 = two digits XX When C2 = 31, then: C3 = the two digits of the METAREA number (with a leading zero where necessary in the range 01 – 21)


When C2 = 13 for coastal warnings, then: X1X2 are the two digits of the METAREA number (with a leading zero where necessary in the range 01 – 21). B1 is the coastal warning area A to Z B2 is the subject indicator and must always be B or E, where: B = Meteorological warnings E = Meteorological forecasts


When C2 = 04 for meteorological warnings or forecasts within a rectangular area Note: The definition of 12 characters for a rectangular address is given in part A, paragraph 5.3


Category (a) repetition codes are used for meteorological services as follows:

C4 = 01 Use for meteorological forecast (transmit once on receipt)



C4 = 11 Use for meteorological warning (transmit on receipt followed by repeat six minutes later)


C5 = 00 The code 00 for International Alphabet Number 5 is normally used Part C – Search and rescue services 1 The following guidelines set out the arrangements to be used by Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) for initiating transmission of shore-to-ship distress alert relays and shore-to-ship search and rescue information. Transmissions should be in accordance with the relevant procedures of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR), the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979, as amended, and the IAMSAR Manual. 2 In order to ensure uniformity of the search and rescue broadcast product throughout the world, C codes should be used as described in this part. 3 Shore-to-ship distress alert relays 3.1 As a general principle, distress alert relays should be addressed to a circular area around the estimated or known position of the distressed vessel. The radius of the circle should be chosen to take account of the accuracy of the datum position, the expected density of shipping in the vicinity and the fact that the position can only be defined in the message address to the nearest whole degree of latitude and longitude. The distress alert relay message must be broadcast via all satellites which cover the area concerned. Shore-to-ship distress alert relays sent by the International Satellite Service should contain the identification of the unit in distress, its approximate position and other information which might facilitate rescue. Codes should be as follows: 3.2 C1 – Message priority

C1 = 3 (distress)

3.3 C2 – Service code

C2 = 14 (shore-to-ship distress alert to circular areas)

Messages addressed to circular areas will only be received and printed out by EGC receivers that are located inside the circle





When C2 = 14 for distress alert to user-defined circular area, then: D1D2La (three characters) is latitude of vessel in distress in degrees (two digits) and whether north (N) or south (S): e.g. 39N (three characters total). A leading zero should be included for latitudes less than 10° D3D4D5Lo (four characters) is longitude of vessel in distress in degrees (three digits) and whether east (E) or west (W) of the prime meridian: e.g. 059W. A leading zero or zeros should be included for longitudes less than 100° or 10° as appropriate: e.g. use 099 for 99° and 008 for 8° R1R2R3 (three characters) is alert radius around distressed vessel in nautical miles. To ensure that position inaccuracies of both the distressed vessel and nearby vessels to which the message is intended do not affect receipt of messages, radius values of 200 nautical miles or larger should normally be used.


C4 = 11 Use for distress alerts (transmit on receipt followed by repeat six minutes later)



4 General (all ships) call 4.1 When the RCC has no indication of the position of the vessel in distress, shore-to-ship distress alert relays may be sent as general call. This will be printed in every vessel within the ocean region. Note: This method of alert should rarely be used. The C0:C1:C2:C3:C4:C5 codes for general calls are always as follows:

C0 = 0 (1, 2 or 3) (if required) C1 = 3 (distress) or 2 (urgency) C2 = 00 C3 = 00 C4 = 11 C5 = 00



5 Search and rescue coordination traffic 5.1 Search and rescue coordination messages should be addressed to user-defined circular or rectangular areas for the intent of coordinating the search and rescue of a vessel in distress. Priority of the message will be determined by the phase of the emergency. 5.2 C1 – Message priority

C1 = 3 (distress), 2 (urgency) or 1 (safety)


C2 = 34

Search and rescue coordination to a rectangular area

C2 = 44

Search and rescue coordination to a circular area



When C2 = 34 Search and rescue coordination to a rectangular area Note: The definition of 12 characters for a rectangular address is given in part A, paragraph 5.3


When C2 = 44 search and rescue coordination to a circular area Note: The definition of 10 characters for a circular address is given in part B, paragraph 3.3


C4 = 11 Use for distress alerts (transmit on receipt followed by repeat six minutes later)



6 Shore-to-ship urgency and safety traffic 6.1 As a general principle, only the minimum information consistent with the safety of navigation should be broadcast. However, where such information is deemed essential, shore-to-ship information other than distress alerts should be broadcast to a NAVAREA using C codes as follows: 6.2 C1 – Message priority

C1 = 2 (urgency) or 1 (safety)




C2 = 31 6.4 C3 – Address code

C3 = two digits X1X2 When C2 = 31, then: X1X2 are the two digits of the NAVAREA number (with a leading zero where necessary in the range 01-21)


C4 = 11 Use for unscheduled broadcasts of urgency and safety traffic (transmit on receipt followed by repeat six minutes later)


C5 = 00 The code 00 for International Alphabet Number 5 is normally used 7 SAR broadcast for overlapping satellite ocean regions 7.1 Search and rescue distress and urgency broadcasts should be promulgated through all satellites serving the area surrounding the vessel in distress. This is to ensure that vessels will receive the message. Part D – Piracy countermeasures broadcast messages 1 On receiving a message of alert or any other information concerning a threat of attack (from the Security Forces Authority responsible for the operational application of the urgency plans (countermeasures) in the region or another MRCC, for example), the MRCC should ask the NAVAREA coordinator (or any other competent authority in accordance with local arrangements), to send out a warning through the appropriate MSI network (NAVTEX or satellite) and other broadcasting networks for warnings to shipping, if these exist. 2 There are two kinds of MSI messages associated with piracy countermeasures: the daily situation report (SITREP) and a piracy attack warning. Specific guidance on drafting and broadcasting these messages is given below. 3 The daily situation report should be broadcast at a regular time around 0800 local time daily. The following paragraphs provide specific guidance on broadcast procedures. 4 The daily situation report should be broadcast to a rectangular area enclosing the region of probable piracy attacks (based on historical data) plus a margin of 700 nautical miles (24 hours steaming by a fast ship) in every direction. 5 The following C codes illustrate those to be used for broadcasts of the daily SITREP: 5.1 C1 – Message priority

C1 = 1 (safety)




C2 = 04 SITREP to a rectangular area

C2 = 24 SITREP to a circular area



When C2 = 04 SITREP to a rectangular area Note: The definition of 12 characters for a rectangular address is given in part A, paragraph 5.3


When C2 = 24 SITREP to a circular area Note: The definition of 10 characters for a circular address is given in part B, paragraph 3.3


C4 = 18 Broadcast every 24 hours (no echo) until cancelled



6 A piracy attack warning shall be broadcast as an "URGENT" NAVAREA or coastal warning immediately on receipt of the source information and at least at the next scheduled broadcast or for as long as the information remains valid. Urgent warnings will be broadcast over all satellites which cover the affected region. Subject indicator character B2 = L should be used in coastal warning areas. The specific area in which the attack has taken place is to be quoted in the first line of the text, using no more detail than is necessary to indicate the probable location of further attacks, e.g. WESTERN PHILIP CHANNEL or VICINITY HORSBURGH LIGHT. The description of the pirate vessel and its last observed movements are to be kept as brief as possible and should give only those details which are of significance in avoiding other attacks. 7 The following C codes illustrate those to be used for broadcast of piracy attack warnings: 7.1 C1 – Message priority

C1 = 2 (urgency)


C2 = 13

Coastal warning

C2 = 31

NAVAREA warning




C3 = two digits X1X2 When C2 = 31 then: X1X2 are the two digits of the NAVAREA number (with a leading zero where necessary in the range 01 to 21)


When C2 = 13 for coastal warnings then: X1X2 are the two digits of the NAVAREA number (with a leading zero where necessary in the range 01 to 21) B1 is the coastal warning area A to Z B2 is the subject indicator and must always be A or L, where: A = Navigational warnings L = Other navigational warnings


C4 = 16

Broadcast every 12 hours with no echo until cancelled



8 Date/time should always be quoted in the form:

DDHHMM UTC MoMoMo YY as in the example: 251256 UTC JUN 17

Note: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is the same time-zone as GMT (Z). 9 Geographical positions should be quoted in the standard format:

D1D2M1M2LaD3D4D5M3M4Lo where: D1D2 = degrees latitude (with leading zero if required) M1M2 = minutes latitude La = hemisphere (N or S) D3D4D5 = degrees longitude (with leading zeros if required) M3M4 = minutes longitude Lo = longitude (E or W) as in the example: 5419N10327E



Notes:

1 Examples of format and drafting guidance for piracy warnings is contained in the Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information (MSC.1/Circ.1310, as amended, and IHO Publication No. S-53).

2 Decimals of minutes will seldom be necessary or appropriate for reports of

this kind. 3 Where the name of a geographical feature is used instead of a geographical

position, a name should be chosen that appears on all commonly used charts of the area. Local knowledge should not be required for understanding the message.

Part E – Repetition codes (C4) 1 The C4 repetition codes are divided into two categories:

.1 Category (a) for messages that are required to be repeated an finite number of times; and

.2 Category (b) for messages that are required to be repeated at specified

intervals until cancelled by the MSI provider.

1.1 Category (a) repetition codes:

Code Instruction

01 transmit once on receipt

11 transmit on receipt followed by repeat six min later

61 transmit on receipt and 1 hour after initial broadcast (twice)

62 transmit on receipt and 2 hours after initial broadcast (twice)





70 transmit on receipt, 12 hours after initial broadcast and then 12 hours after the second broadcast (three times)

71 transmit on receipt, 24 hours after initial broadcast and then 24 hours after the second broadcast (three times)

1.2 Category (b) repetition codes: A category (b) repetition code allows a message to be repeated indefinitely or until cancelled by the message provider. The repetition period can be set at between 1 and 120 hours. In addition, each transmission can be echoed after a fixed period of six minutes. Repetition codes are made up by stating the multiplier first, followed by the delay period:

Multiplier x Delay

where the multiplier specifies the amount of delay periods between each broadcast, and the delay is a fixed number of hours. The multiplier digit may be any digit from 1 to 5 as follows:



1 = 1 specified delay period between broadcasts 2 = 2 specified delay periods between broadcasts 3 = 3 specified delay periods between broadcasts 4 = 4 specified delay periods between broadcasts 5 = 5 specified delay periods between broadcasts

The delay digit coding is as follows:

2 = 1 hour delay; no echo 3 = 1 hour delay; with echo 4 = 6 hours delay; no echo 5 = 6 hours delay; with echo 6 = 12 hours delay; no echo 7 = 12 hours delay; with echo 8 = 24 hours delay; no echo 9 = 24 hours delay; with echo

The various combinations (Multiplier x Delay) available, are shown in the table below:

Code Instruction

12 repeat broadcast every 1 hour with no echo

13 repeat broadcast every 1 hour with an echo six minutes after each broadcast

22 repeat broadcast every 2 hours with no echo

23 repeat broadcast every 2 hours with an echo six minutes after each broadcast









16 (or 24)

repeat broadcast every 12 hours with no echo

17 (or 25)

repeat broadcast every 12 hours with an echo six minutes after each broadcast



18 (or 26; or 44)


19 (or 27; or 45)





Code Instruction




28 (or 46)


29 (or 47)










Note: Not all codes may be provided by all service providers.



APPENDIX 5

RESOLUTION MSC.434(98) (adopted on 16 June 2017)

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR A SHIP EARTH STATION

FOR USE IN THE GMDSS

THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE, RECALLING Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Committee, RECALLING ALSO resolution A.886(21), by which the Assembly resolved that the functions of adopting performance standards for radio and navigational equipment, as well as amendments thereto, should be performed by the Maritime Safety Committee on behalf of the Organization, RECALLING FURTHER regulations IV/10.1 and 14.1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, concerning radiocommunications for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), which require, respectively, that ships remaining in sea area A3 be provided with a ship earth station and that such ship earth stations shall conform to appropriate performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization, FURTHER RECALLING resolution A.1001(25) by which the Assembly adopted the criteria and requirements for mobile-satellite communication services being designed for use in the GMDSS, NOTING that the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) oversees certain public interests in satellites' operations, including the continued provision of satellite services for the GMDSS, RECOGNIZING the need to prepare performance standards for satellite communication equipment designed in accordance with resolution A.1001(25) in order to ensure the operational reliability of such equipment and to avoid, as far as practicable, adverse interaction between satellite communication equipment and other communication and navigation equipment aboard the ship, HAVING CONSIDERED, at its ninety-eighth session, the recommendation made by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue at its fourth session, 1 ADOPTS the Performance standards for a ship earth station for use in the GMDSS, set out in the annex to the present resolution; 2 RECOMMENDS Governments to ensure that every ship earth station which forms part of the GMDSS:

.1 if designed to operate in a mobile satellite service recognized on or after 1 January 2021, complies with the relevant requirements of resolution A.1001(25) and conforms to performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to the present resolution; and



.2 if designed to operate on a mobile satellite service recognized before 1 January 2021:

.1 conforms to the relevant requirements of resolution A.1001(25) and

to the performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to the present resolution; or

.2 conforms to performance standards not inferior to those specified in

the annex to:

.1 resolution MSC.130(75) on Performance standards for Inmarsat ship earth stations capable of two-way communications, if installed after 1 February 1999;

.2 resolution A.808(19) on Performance Standards for Ship

Earth Stations Capable of Two-Way Communications, if installed on or after 23 November 1996 and before 1 February 1999;

.3 resolution A.698(17) on Performance Standards for Ship

Earth Stations Capable of Two-Way Communications, if installed before 23 November 1996;

3 INVITES IMSO to coordinate with the recognized GMDSS service providers with a view to ensuring consistency between their ship earth station design and installation guidelines and the performance standards specified in the annex to the present resolution.



ANNEX

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR A SHIP EARTH STATION FOR USE IN THE GMDSS

1 INTRODUCTION

The ship earth station installation capable of two-way radiocommunications should comply with the general requirements set out in resolutions A.694(17), A.813(19), MSC.191(79), and with the following minimum requirements.

2 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 General

.1 The ship earth station should operate using a recognized mobile-satellite service and meet the functional requirements of resolution A.1001(25). The ship earth station should comply with the technical standard provided by the recognized mobile-satellite service provider and be certified by this provider for operation in the GMDSS, in order to ensure operational reliability.

.2 The ship earth station should comply with ITU Radio Regulations.

2.2 Functional requirements

.1 The ship earth station should be capable of automatically recognizing the priority of ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship communications and should process them in accordance with the message priority defined by the ITU Radio Regulations. The order of processing these communications should be:

.1 distress;

.2 urgency;

.3 safety; and

.4 other communications.

.2 The ship earth station should provide a specific visual indication when unable to detect or otherwise make contact with the satellites of the mobile-satellite system for a period of one minute or more, as referred to in the appendix.

2.3 Integrated systems and equipment interfaces

.1 The equipment should meet the requirements for Bridge Alert Management (BAM) system.1 Equipment interfaces should comply with recognized international standards. Where the ship earth station is part of an Integrated Communication System (ICS), Integrated Navigation System (INS), Integrated Bridge System (IBS) or connected to a navigation system, this should not impair any of the GMDSS functions of these systems or the ship earth station itself.

1 Resolutions A.811(19), MSC.252(83) and MSC.302(87); guideline SN.1/Circ.288; international standards

IEC 62940, IEC 61924-2 and IEC 62923.



.2 The ship earth station should provide an interface from which data from Enhanced Group Call (EGC) communications, including Maritime Safety Information (MSI), can be provided to navigation display systems, in accordance with recognized international standards.

.3 The ship earth station should provide either an integral electronic position

fixing equipment or have an interface for position updating conforming to the recognized international standards.

.4 The ship earth station should provide an interface in accordance with

recognized international standards to report a ship's identifier and location data from a received distress alert relay to navigation display systems in order to enable graphical display and possible linking to available target information.

3 OPERATION 3.1 Primary human-machine interface (HMI)

.1 The primary HMI should provide all functions necessary to carry out all communication procedures including those required by the GMDSS.

3.2 Ship earth station identity

.1 No control external to the equipment should be available for alteration of the ship station identity.

3.3 Transmission of distress alerts/calls

.1 It should be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts/calls at any time. It should be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts/calls whilst the ship earth station is transmitting lower priority communications, and whilst it is receiving communications of any priority, if necessary by pre-emption of those communications.

.2 It should be possible to initiate and make distress alerts/calls from the

position at which the ship is normally navigated. The equipment should include an option making it possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts/calls at a position remote from the primary HMI of the equipment.

.3 The HMI should include a dedicated distress button that has no other function

than activating distress transmissions. .4 A distress alert/call should be activated only by means of a dedicated distress

button (a physical button, not a touchscreen button). The dedicated distress button2 should not be any key of a digital input panel or a keyboard provided on the equipment. The distress button should be clearly identified and protected against inadvertent activation, requiring at least two independent actions. Lifting of the protective lid or cover is considered as the first action. Pressing the distress button as specified above is considered as the second independent action.

2 MSC/Circ.862.



.5 The distress button should be red in colour and marked "DISTRESS". Where a non-transparent protective lid or cover is used, it should be also be red in colour and marked "DISTRESS".

.6 The required protection of the distress button should consist of a

spring-loaded lid or cover permanently attached to the equipment by, for example, hinges. It should not be necessary for the user to remove additional seals or to break the lid or cover in order to operate the distress button.

.7 The equipment should indicate the status of the distress alert/call.

The operation of the distress button should generate a visible and audible indication. The distress button should be kept pressed for at least three seconds. A flashing light and an intermittent audible signal should start immediately. After the transmission of the distress alert/call is initiated, the visual indication should become steady and the audible signal should cease.

.8 The equipment should automatically initiate repetitive initial distress

alerts/calls, which are repeated until cancelled on the ship or until appropriately acknowledged. It should be possible to interrupt repetitive initial distress alerts/calls. Such operation should not interrupt the transmission of a distress alert/call in progress but should prevent repetitive transmissions of a distress alert/call.

.9 The distress alert should contain identification of the station in distress, its

position and the time of the position fix. .10 The equipment should be capable of transmitting and receiving subsequent

distress communication. .11 After initiating a false distress alert/call, it should be possible to send a

cancellation of the alert/call. This cancellation should not be initiated by cutting the power supply to the ship earth station nor by the operator switching the ship earth station off.

3.4 Test facilities

.1 It should be possible to test the distress capability of the ship earth station without initiating a distress alert/call.

3.5 Reception of distress, urgency and safety alerts/calls

.1 It should be possible for the ship earth station to receive distress, urgency

and safety priority alerts/calls whilst it is being used for communications of a lower priority than that being received.

.2 Provision should be made for an audible signal and visual indication at the

position from which the ship is normally navigated, to indicate receipt of a distress or urgency enhanced group call message. It should not be possible to disable this indication and it should only be possible to reset it manually and only from the position where the message is displayed or printed. The audible signals for distress, urgency and their acknowledgements should be continuously repeated until manually terminated.



.3 For the presentation of received distress and urgency alerts/calls intended as text to be read, the equipment should include or interface to either: .1 an integrated printing device; or .2 a dedicated display device,3 printer output port and a non-volatile

message memory; or .3 a connection to a navigation system and a non-volatile message

memory.

3.6 Audible signals and visual indications:

.1 The audible signals should be activated in relation to:

.1 distress alert/calls or distress relay alert/calls; and

.2 urgency calls and messages.

.2 For visual indication the ship earth station should conform to MSC 191(79). .3 BAM classification of priorities and categories is attached as appendix.

3.7 Enhanced Group Call (EGC) messages, including Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

.1 Facilities should be provided for the ship earth station to receive maritime safety information (MSI) for the NAVAREA/METAREA and the coastal warning areas and different classes of messages:

.1 where the ship is sailing and 300 NM beyond the limits of the

NAVAREA/METAREA; .2 for the planned voyage; and .3 for a fixed position. Additional means should be provided to filter received MSI based on NAVAREA/METAREA and the coastal warning area codes and different classes of messages.

.2 The station should be able to receive and filter distress relay and urgency

messages in accordance with area defined within the EGC message and the ship's position.

.3 For the presentation of received EGC communications intended as text to be

read, the equipment should include or interface to either:

.1 an integrated printing device; or

3 Where there is no printer, the display device should be located in the position from which the ship is normally

navigated.



.2 a dedicated display device,4 printer output port and a non-volatile message memory; or

.3 a connection to a navigation system and a non-volatile message

memory.

.4 If a dedicated display device or a connection to a navigation system is used, it should meet the general requirements of the Organization for such devices5 and the following additional requirements:

.1 the capability of showing at least 16 lines by 40 characters, with a

non-volatile memory of at least 255 messages of 1,023 characters; .2 an indication of newly received unsuppressed messages should be

immediately displayed until acknowledged, as referred to in the appendix; and

.3 the design and size of the display device should be such that

displayed information is easily read under all conditions, by observers at normal working distances and viewing angles.

.5 If a printing device is used, it should meet the general requirements of the

Organization for such devices and the following additional requirements:

.1 the printing device should be capable of printing at least the standard International Reference Alphabet (IRA) character set. Other character sets can be optionally used according to ISO 20226 standards and ITU-T Recommendations T.50;

.2 the printing device should be able to print at least 40 characters

per line; .3 means should be provided to prevent the re-printing of a message

once it has been received without error; .4 any messages should be displayed or printed regardless of the

character error rate of its reception. The equipment should use an asterisk (the "*" character) or a low line (the "_" character) if a corrupted character is received; and

.5 a "paper low" condition should generate a caution, as referred to in

the appendix.

.6 For the presentation of received group call messages intended as text to be read, or intended as imagery to be viewed, on another connected device or an integrated system, paragraph 2.3.1 also applies.

4 Where there is no printer, the dedicated display device should be located in the position from which the ship

is normally navigated.

5 Resolution MSC.191(79).

6 ISO/IEC 2022:1994, Information technology – Character code structure and extension techniques.



3.8 Position updating

.1 Facilities should be provided to automatically update the ship's position and the time at which the position was determined from a suitable electronic position fixing equipment which may be an integral part of the equipment.

.2 To enable updating of the position:

.1 the status of the position update should be visible to the operator (e.g. offline, manual or automatic);

.2 if position data is being updated automatically, a caution should be

raised if no update has been performed for a period of 10 minutes, as referred to in the appendix. The caution should be removed by receiving new position data;

.3 the equipment should have facilities for manually entering the ship's

position and the time of the position fix; .4 if the ship's manually-set position is older than 4 hours, a caution

should be raised, as referred to in the appendix. The caution should be removed by inputting or receiving new position data; and

.5 if the ship's position is older than 24 hours, the position is clearly

identified with date and time of the fix in UTC for distress alerting purposes.

4 POWER SUPPLY AND SOURCES OF ENERGY 4.1 The ship earth station should normally be powered from the ship's main source of electrical energy. In addition, it should be possible to operate the ship earth station and all equipment necessary for its normal functioning, from an alternative source of electrical energy. 4.2 Changing from one source of supply to another or any interruption of up to 60 seconds duration of the supply of electrical energy should not require the equipment to be manually re-initialized, should not result in loss of received communications stored in the memory and should not render the equipment inoperative when power is restored. 5 ANTENNA SITING 5.1 Where an omni-directional antenna is used, it is desirable that the antenna be sited in such a position that no obstacle is likely to degrade significantly the performance of the equipment. The manufacturer should provide information, in the installation manual, on the required free line of sight and the angles in the fore and aft directions and in the port and starboard directions that are required for reliable operation, taking into account ship movements in heavy seas. 5.2 Where a stabilized directional antenna is used, it is desirable that the antenna be sited in such a position that no obstacle is likely to degrade significantly the performance of the equipment. The manufacturer should provide information in the installation manual, on the required free line of sight and the angles of elevation required for reliable operation, taking into account ship movement in heavy seas.



5.3 For omni-directional antennas, the manufacturer should specify sizes and critical distances of objects related to the antenna which cause a shadow sector, likely to degrade significantly the performance of the equipment, taking into account ship movement in heavy seas. This information should be documented in the installation manual. 5.4 For directional antennas, the manufacturer should specify sizes and critical distances of objects to the antenna, which cause shadow sectors, likely to degrade significantly the performance of the equipment, taking into account ship movement in heavy seas. This information should be documented in the installation manual. 5.5 To ensure reliable and continuous operation of the satellite communication system the manufacturer should specify the necessary distances required between the satellite antenna and marine radar in the installation manual. 5.6 In case of multiple ship earth stations operating on adjacent frequency bands, the antenna should be installed such as to ensure electromagnetic compatibility. 6 RADIO FREQUENCY RADIATION HAZARDS A warning of potential radiation hazards should be displayed in appropriate locations. A label should be attached external to a radome or antenna indicating the distances at which radiation levels of 100 W/m², 25 W/m² and 10 W/m² exist. These distances should be noted in the user manual.



APPENDIX

CLASSIFICATION OF SHIP EARTH STATION INDICATIONS BAM classification7 of ship earth station warnings or cautions, as specified in these performance standards.

Cause Alarm Warning Caution Category A

Category B

No contact with satellites (referred to in paragraph 2.2.2)

X X

Received distress communications (referred to in paragraph 3.6)

X X

Received urgency message (referred to in paragraph 3.6)

X X

Received safety message (referred to in paragraph 3.7.4.2)

X X

Paper low (referred to in paragraph 3.7.5.5)

X X

Loss of position (referred to in paragraph 3.8.2.2)

X X

Manual position older than 4h (referred to in paragraph 3.8.2.4)

X X

7 As referred to in resolution MSC.302(87).



APPENDIX 6

Procedure for amending the Interim Iridium SafetyCast service manual 1 Proposals for amendment or enhancement of the Interim Iridium SafetyCast service manual should be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee through the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR). 2 Amendments to this Manual should be approved at intervals as determined by the Maritime Safety Committee at the time of adoption. Amendments approved by the Maritime Safety Committee will be notified to all concerned, will provide at least 12 months notification and will come into force on 1 January of the following year. 3 The agreement of the International Hydrographic Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the International Mobile Satellite Organization and the active participation of other bodies should be sought, according to the nature of the proposed amendments.

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